Howard A. Merkle, age 92, formerly of Hartville, passed away peacefully on Monday November 9, 2015. He was born in Mogadore on January 23, 1923 to the late Edgar and Lenore (Schellenbarger) Merkle and graduated from Mogadore High School in 1940. He served in the Army during WW II, in the Pacific Theatre in the Chemical Warfare Division. After discharge, he graduated from Akron University in 1949. He worked for Equitable Life Insurance in Canton for over 50 years and was a Certified Life Underwriter. He was a past member of the Canton Jaycees, Hartville Lions Club, Underwriters Association and Congress Lake Country Club. Preceded in death by his wife Eileen (Tessmer) Merkle; daughter Darlene Mishler; son-in-law Fred Krum; siblings Carrie West, and Carson, Wayne and Dick Merkle. He is survived by his wife Donnis Crawford of Manchester; son Gary Merkle of North Canton, daughter Diane Krum of Canton; son-in-law Tim Mishler of North Canton; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren who knew their great-grandpa always had candy for them; sisters Alma Romig of Akron and Lenore Feidorek of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Friday 2-4 PM at Arnold Funeral Home, Hartville. The family will have a private service at 5 PM. Final resting place is Mount Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Arnold 330-877-9364 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com